Biochemistry – BA & BS
Faculty
James Shriver (chair), James Dunne, Ashley Garr, Lee Macomber, Jay Wackerly
Statement of philosophy – BA
Housed in the Natural Sciences department, a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in biochemistry is offered for students interested in the impact of chemistry on biological systems. Students choosing this major will obtain excellent preparation for a variety of careers including biochemistry, biotechnology, pharmacology, and agricultural chemistry. A degree in biochemistry is also an excellent precursor to pre-professional programs including medicine, dentistry, and optometry. A student cannot major in both chemistry and biochemistry.
The faculty strives to remain abreast of modern chemical techniques while being aware of the benefits and responsibilities of living in a technological society. Our department follows guidelines of the American Chemical Society (ACS), so biochemistry majors receive instruction comparable to that at larger institutions while benefiting from individualized attention that is the hallmark of Central College. In connection with our ACS certification, students in our department have on-line access to all American Chemical Society publications.
*Students interested in graduate school or an industrial career should consider the Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry.
Statement of philosophy – BS
Housed in the Natural Sciences department, a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in biochemistry is offered for students looking to study the interface of chemistry and biology in more depth. In addition to core classes offered as part of the B.A. major in chemistry, students will take an array of upper-level electives to focus work on their career goals. These major elective tracks allow for additional focus in Biology (Molecular Science) or Computer Science/ Mathematics (Data Science). Students earning a B.S. major in biochemistry will automatically be eligible to graduate with an ACS-certified degree. The faculty strives to remain abreast of modern chemical techniques while being aware of the benefits and responsibilities of living in a technological society. Our department follows guidelines of the American Chemical Society (ACS), so biochemistry majors receive instruction comparable to that at larger institutions while benefiting from individualized attention that is the hallmark of Central College
American Chemical Society certification
The Bachelor of Science degree with a major in biochemistry meets the requirements for ACS- certification which offers excellent preparation for graduate school or a career in industry or government. According to the American Chemical Society, a department that follows and meets the guidelines for certification produces graduates with the background necessary to enter graduate school or employment in which a strong background in chemistry is needed. For the student, a certified degree in chemistry is a valuable personal credential that serves as a national-level recognition for successfully completing a rigorous academic chemistry curriculum in an ACS-approved department. In connection with our ACS certification, students in our department have on-line access to all American Chemical Society publications.
*Students interested in pre-health careers should consider a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in biochemistry to support additional needed coursework appropriate to their chosen program.
Major/Minor restrictions
A student may not major in both biochemistry and chemistry.
*To facilitate flexibility in relation to additional majors, minors, or study abroad, students may request a substitution for a major requirement through the department chair.
Biochemistry (BA) Major Requirements (59-60 credits)
- Complete all of the following (48 credits):
BIOL 131 Introduction to Cells with Lab (4)
BIOL 221 Genetics and Evolution with Lab (4)
CHEM 111 General Chemistry I with Lab (4)
CHEM 112 General Chemistry II with Lab (4)
CHEM 231 Organic Chemistry I with Lab (4)
CHEM 241 Analytical Chemistry with Lab (4)
CHEM 321 Inorganic Chemistry with Lab (4)
CHEM 331 Organic Chemistry II with Lab (4)
CHEM 351 Biochemistry with Lab (4)
CHEM 361 Physical Chemistry I (3)
CHEM 363 Chemical Kinetics with Lab (1)
MATH 131 Calculus I (4)
MATH 132 Calculus II (4)
- Complete two of the following electives (6-8 credits):
BIOL 341 Human Physiology with Lab (4)
BIOL 361 Microbiology with Lab (4)
BIOL 364 Molecular Biology (3)
CHEM 451 Advanced Topics in Biochemistry (3)
Biochemistry (BS) Major Requirements (minimum of 76 credits)
- Complete all of the following (66-68 credits):
BIOL 131 Introduction to Cells with Lab (4)
BIOL 221 Genetics and Evolution with Lab (4)
CHEM 111 General Chemistry I with Lab (4)
CHEM 112 General Chemistry II with Lab (4)
CHEM 231 Organic Chemistry I with Lab (4)
CHEM 241 Analytical Chemistry with Lab (4)
CHEM 321 Inorganic Chemistry with Lab (4)
CHEM 331 Organic Chemistry II with Lab (4)
CHEM 351 Biochemistry with Lab (4)
CHEM 361 Physical Chemistry I (3)
CHEM 363 Chemical Kinetics with Lab (1)
CHEM 451 Advanced Topics in Biochemistry (3)
CHEM 461 Physical Chemistry II (3)
MATH 131 Calculus I (4)
MATH 132 Calculus II (4)
MATH 215 Applied Statistics (4)
PHYS 101 Introduction to Physics I with Lab (4)
or PHYS 111 General Physics I with Lab (5)
PHYS 101 Introduction to Physics II with Lab (4)
or PHYS 112 General Physics II with Lab (5)
- Complete two biology elective courses from the list below (7-8 credits):
BIOL 341 Human Physiology with Lab (4)
BIOL 361 Microbiology with Lab (4)
BIOL 364 Molecular Biology (3)
Other approved electives if developed.
- Complete a significant research capstone experience by completing one of the following options:
Research Track: Students will complete a multi-semester research experience culminating in the completion of a thesis, judged by completing one of the following. (2 credits)
CHEM 498 Senior Thesis in Chemistry (2)
CHEM 499H Senior Honors Thesis (2)
Industrial Track: Students will complete a significant internship/ work experience approved by the department. May be done for internship credit.
- Complete an additional course (3-4 credits)
These courses can come from the list below or from courses NOT used in section 2 (courses may NOT count twice).
BIOL 210 Epidemiology (3)
CHEM 421 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry with Lab (3)
CHEM 431 Advanced Organic Chemistry with Lab (3)
CHEM 442 Instrumental Analysis with Lab (4)
CHEM 451 Advanced Topics in Biochemistry (3), 2nd topic
COSC 110 Introduction to Computer Science (3)
COSC 130 Data Structures (3)
DATA 310 Data Visualization (3)
MATH 330 Mathematical Modeling (3)
MATH 341 Probability (3)
* A program-approved abroad experience may substitute for one elective in section 4 if taken for 3+ credits with chair approval.